2019 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2019 Dodge Journey

The 2019 Dodge Journey is an affordable SUV with the ability to seat 7, lots of infotainment options and a comfortable interior. How does it compare to the 2019 Toyota RAV4, a good looking SUV that offers multiple trim levels, exceptional performance and lots of active safety features?

Design & Style

The exterior of the Toyota RAV4 is covered in trapezoidal grilles, which give it a rugged appearance. The roof pillars in the rear are prominent, with tail lights that are high mounted and attached via a panel with a shade that contrasts. The angular look is continued inside, where the dash is wide and punctuated by a touchscreen that resembles a tablet. The Dodge Journey also has an angular body, though the trapezoids are absent. The grille is squared off and base models have glass that is untinted, with roof rails made of chrome. The cabin has a very conservative design. Whereas the RAV4 is a bit futuristic, in the Journey the designers chose grain plastics which are attractive, with a touch of mesh and leather trim.

Technology & Safety

The Dodge Journey has a camera for the rearview, but incredibly, still lacks frontal collision warnings or emergency automatic brakes in 2019. Its frontal impact rating from the IIHS was poor, although the NHTSA gave it four stars overall. In terms of safety, it might be competitive with SUVs from the late 90s and early 2000s, but not today. Interior perks include power locks, mirrors and windows, Bluetooth support and UBS connectivity, with touchscreens that are 4.3 inches. The Toyota RAV4 has outstanding crash test scores and unlike the Journey comes with emergency automatic brakes as a standard feature. It has been given a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and has features such as pedestrian detection, active lane and cruise control, and blind area monitoring.  Perks in the interior include Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, seven-inch touch screens, and cloth upholstery.

Performance

The Toyota RAV4 comes with an inline 4, 2.5-liter engine that can generate 203 horsepower with 184 pounds of torque. Both all-wheel and front wheel drive is available, which works in conjunction with an automatic eight-speed transmission. The Dodge Journey also comes with an inline 4, that is 2.4 liter and capable of generating 173 horsepower with 166 pounds of torque, that is wedded to an automatic four-speed transmission.

The Bottom Line

Although these SUVs are similar in engine performance and interior amenities, the RAV4 decimates the Journey when it comes to safety features, and given the importance of this particular metric, there is no question that the Toyota wins.

Ready to Schedule a Toyota RAV4 Test Drive Today?

If you want to experience the top features offered by the 2019 Toyota RAV4, come for a test drive with us at Toyota of Stamford. Since our inception, we have been serving the needs of car buyers from Stamford, and other cities in Connecticut. You can drop by our showroom today or call us in advance to book your Toyota RAV4 test drive appointment.